Russia is a strategic partner for Ukraine, with which Kyiv is deepening cooperation in all areas of international life, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said.

"Ukraine and Russia are independent subjects of international law, the leading states of the former Soviet Union, and stability not only in the region, but also on the continent as a whole depends on mutual understanding and partnership between them. Russia is a strategic partner for Ukraine, with which our country is deepening cooperation in all areas of international life. Relations with Russia are a priority in the foreign policy of the Ukrainian state," reads the president's annual address to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which was posted on the Web site of the head of state on Thursday.

The main purpose of strategic partnership between Ukraine and Russia is to ensure the modernization of both countries. This implies not only powerful partnership in the economic sector, but also cooperation in the political sphere and in the sphere of security, based on the principles of mutual partnership.

The president's address notes that Ukraine realizes the importance of the Russian factor in its domestic political situation and foreign policy.

"The absence of alternatives to extensive cooperation with Russia is currently determined by the critical dependence of the Ukrainian economy on Russian energy resources, significant volumes of trade and traditional markets for Ukrainian products, as well as common cultural and information space, humanitarian ties and other factors," reads the address.